The Importance of Urban Green Spaces for People and Planet

Discover how Cubis Systems is driving positive change for people and planet through both large- and small-scale biodiversity initiatives. 

Putting biodiversity on the business agenda 

We take environmental sustainability seriously at Cubis Systems, constantly seeking ways to build a business that is circular and restorative.  We optimise freight, manage the environmental aspects of our business, and reduce waste on a massive scale (in increasingly innovative ways).   

But this is not a story about Corporate Social Responsibility.  Instead, this is a story about the more down-to-earth aspects of our environmental strategy.   A story of how using tiny bits of waste, in snatched moments of time, helped our environment and enabled us to enjoy the benefits of living and working alongside nature.   

A practical example of creating a green space 

We are fortunate in Cubis Roscommon to have a large piece of fenced-off ground at the end of the front yard that cannot be used for storage or production and formed part of our early sustainability strategy for the location. Our vision is to transform this space into a biodiversity-rich environment that will attract local wildlife, birds, bees, bats and insects, year-round.   

To begin, we sent out a notice seeking ideas from everyone on site.  Looking for easy-to-install options, using waste or discarded items (wood and scrap plastic) that would be possible for us to make internally when we have spare minutes here and there. 

The response was amazing and with the team fully on board, we were soon making 5-star accommodations for bees, insects, hedgehogs, rabbits and birds. All with personalised names, and all to be placed in what will soon include garden additions like pollinator-attracting native-species plants, bat habitats, and a self-sustaining environment.   

 

But it’s not just a pretty space 

The benefits of small-scale green spaces are immense.  These green islands support smaller populations of animals and plants but make a big difference to biodiversity overall as they provide stepping stones between larger natural areas.  And anyone can do it.  Here are some practical steps to develop your own green space. 

• Identify a space, a potential “green asset” that you could develop.
• Create an overview of the environment by assessing local fauna and flora.
• Identify endangered or significant species in the area.
• Determine and address any habitat requirements.
• Remove invasive species.
• Include plants that attract pollinators.
• Add bird feeders and baths.
• Install running water.
• Avoid chemicals and pesticides.
• Provide food by planting berry-producing trees and shrubs.

 

The positive impact 

Implementing these environmental sustainability examples leads to improved air quality, reduced urban heat effect, better biodiversity, and a space where nature and people can thrive together.   

Promote biodiversity and scale up your nature positivity: 

• Adopt eco-friendly business practices. 
• Sponsor small-scale green spaces. 
• Encourage local wildlife and plant species. 
• Rewild footpaths, cycle lanes and even car parks. 
• Add a green wall to your building. 
• Plant a tree for every staff member. 
• Investigate green roofs on new builds. 
• Incorporate natural-species areas into office gardens.